Eco Friendly A-Frame Signs with Replaceable Inserts

Eco Friendly Printer prints A-frame signs for restaurants, cafes, retail shops, salons, real estate open houses and events. An A-frame sign, also called a sandwich board or sidewalk sign, stands on the sidewalk or at an entrance and shows a message on both sides to people walking or driving past. We print these signs as replaceable inserts, so when your menu, sale or event changes, you order new printed panels and keep using the same frame.

Common uses

• Restaurant and cafe specials, hours and happy hour menus
• Retail sales, new arrivals and store events
• Open house and directional signs for real estate
• Wayfinding and welcome signs at events, weddings and conferences
• Grand openings and seasonal promotions

A-frame sign sizes

24 x 36 in is the most common A-frame sign size for the printed insert. It is large enough to read from across a sidewalk and fits most standard sidewalk frames. 22 x 28 in is a popular size for poster-style frames, and 18 x 24 in suits narrow sidewalks, counters and indoor entrances. The outside of the frame is larger than the insert, so measure the opening or check the frame's specifications before you order. If you already own a frame, send us the insert size and we will print to fit it. Our yard sign size guide includes tips on reading distance and letter height that also apply to sidewalk signs.

Inserts and frames

Inserts are printed on rigid board and slide or clip into the frame. For indoor signs and short events, recycled corrugated and honeycomb board are light and can go in paper recycling after use. For signs that go outside every day, we recommend a weather-resistant insert material, and we will suggest one based on where the sign will stand and how long it needs to last. Most frames hold one insert on each side, so you can print the same message on both sides or use each side for something different. If you need a frame, ask for options when you request a quote.

How the eco choices apply to A-frame signs

A sidewalk sign that is replaced every season creates a lot of waste if the whole sign is thrown away each time. With replaceable inserts, the frame stays in use and only the printed panel changes. Paper-based board inserts can go in paper recycling when they are replaced. Keeping permanent information, such as your name, logo and hours, on one side and seasonal offers on the other means you only need to reprint the side that changes. Our guide to eco friendly signage covers more ways to reduce sign waste.

Design tips

• Keep the message short. A headline of a few words, one or two supporting lines and your logo is usually enough.
• Use large, high-contrast type. Dark text on a light background is easiest to read in daylight.
• Place the most important words in the top half of the sign, where people look first.
• Set up the file at the full insert size, and add bleed if the design runs to the edge.
• For restaurants, print seasonal specials on a separate insert so the main sign can stay the same, and match the colors and fonts to your printed menus.

How ordering works

Send your artwork, the insert size, the quantity and how long the signs will be used outside. You can start your order online. We will confirm the material and give you a price before anything is printed. Most orders are ready in one to two weeks from artwork approval. For short-term signs on lawns and roadsides, see yard signs. For other printing for food and drink businesses, see our page on restaurants and hospitality.

Common questions about A-frame signs

What is the standard A-frame sign size?

24 x 36 inches is the most common insert size for sidewalk A-frame signs. 22 x 28 inches and 18 x 24 inches are also common.

Can I replace the printed panels and keep the frame?

Yes. A-frame inserts are made to be replaced, so you can order new printed panels when your message changes and keep using the same frame.

Can you print inserts for a frame I already own?

Yes. Send us the insert size or the frame's specifications and we will print inserts to fit.

Can A-frame signs be left outside?

Yes, with the right insert material. Tell us how often the sign will be outside and for how many weeks, and we will recommend a material that suits the conditions.

Can each side of an A-frame sign be different?

Yes. Most frames hold an insert on each side, so each side can carry a different message.

• Sidewalk sandwich boards for restaurants, shops and open houses
• Replaceable printed inserts, so the frame is reused
• 24 x 36 in, 22 x 28 in, 18 x 24 in and custom sizes
• Recycled board inserts for indoor and short-term use
• Weather-resistant inserts for daily outdoor use
• Inserts printed to fit a frame you already own